Burnley Council announces ambitious plan to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in the borough

Councillors are set to approve a draft strategy that sets out how Burnley Council will help tackle homelessness in the borough over the next five years.
By Dominic Collis
Published 15th Sep 2020, 15:45 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A report to the council’s Executive recommends it approves the draft homelessness and rough sleeping strategy 2020-25 when the committee meets next week.

It also asks for approval to launch a six-week consultation, at a date to be agreed, to allow people and organisations to have their say before any final strategy is agreed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last month a new partnership seeking to end rough sleeping in Burnley was formally approved by the council.

Burnley Council has set out a new strategy to tackle homelessness over the next five yearsBurnley Council has set out a new strategy to tackle homelessness over the next five years
Burnley Council has set out a new strategy to tackle homelessness over the next five years

The initiative will see Stepping Stone Projects, a specialist homeless charity that provides homes and support services for those facing homelessness, setting up 10 fully furnished homes to provide overnight and temporary accommodation.

The homes will be provided by local housing associations, who will then work with the individuals, Stepping Stone Projects and Burnley Council to find permanent homes. The project aims to help 60 clients over the first 12 months.

It will also provide personalised support to help people address the issues and barriers they face in finding and sustaining homes and living independently.

The new strategy is made up of three key components:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A homelessness review – a comprehensive analysis of homelessness and rough sleeping in the borough

A homelessness and rough sleeping strategy that sets out the aims of priorities that will be the focus of services and actions to tackle the issues

An action plan that details specific moves to deliver the strategy and meet its priorities.

Council leader Coun. Charlie Briggs said: “Burnley Council is committed to working with partner agencies to provide the essential help, advice and support for those people that need it most.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Sleeping rough on the streets is an issue that effects communities across the country. The council and partners such as Calico have already done a lot of work to help tackle this urgent social issue but there is always more than can be done. This strategy will help concentrate our efforts in areas where they are most needed.

Related topics:Burnley CouncilBurnley